February 17, 2007
Wimping Out to PC - NCAA Ignores Fans and Tradition
Fans and alumni are disappointed when economic considerations imposed by an elite, out-of-touch national ruling body kill their college tradition. It started with this, NCAA Drives Indians Off College Campuses, and continues with this latest victim:
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) -- The University of Illinois will drop its 81-year-old American Indian mascot, Chief Illiniwek.... The move makes the school eligible to host postseason NCAA championship events, but it angered many Illini fans who say the chief honors American Indians.The NCAA in 2005 deemed Illiniwek -- portrayed by buckskin-clad students who dance at home football and basketball games and other athletic events -- an offensive use of American Indian imagery and barred the university from hosting postseason events. American Indian groups and others have complained for years that the mascot, used since 1926, is demeaning.
"The Chief Illiniwek tradition inspired and thrilled members of the University of Illinois community for 80 years," Board of Trustees Chairman Lawrence Eppley said in a statement. "It was created, carried on, and enjoyed by people with great respect for tradition, and we appreciate their dedication and commitment. It will be important now to ensure the accurate recounting and safekeeping of the tradition as an integral part of the history of the university."
What's next? Are the Islamic students going to demand that they quit playing with a "pigskin?" Will the National Anthem and military flyovers be banned to appease the Left? I would be happy if they moved the drunks to one section so that they wouldn't spill their drinks on me. Oh, and they need better hot dogs. What bothers you that we can get the NCAA to address? They seem to have time on their hands.
Posted by Woody M. at February 17, 2007 10:40 AM | TrackBack(explicative deleted)
These a**es won't be happy until all people are women, and the only sports allowed are volleyball and soccer.
Volleyball is cool if chicks are playing, though, you gotta admit.
Soccer is for sissies.
Dan Patterson
Arrogant Infidel
Posted by Dan Patterson at February 17, 2007 10:55 AM
I wonder when they'll go after the "Volunteer" at the University of Tennessee. Many do not realize it the the part of the origin of the name comes from the number volunteers from Tennessee who signed up for the War of 1812 and the Mexican War.
Honoring war heroes is very bad now days. Honor war heroes who fought and killed Mexicans is down right racist!!
Plus, isn't a guy running around in buckskin jacket and pant with a coonskin hat denigrating (I hope everyone knows the real non=-racist meaning of this word.) to the original white settlers of Tennessee. Davy Crockett must be spinning in his grave.
Yes, the idiocy marches on.
The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits.
* Albert Einstein
Posted by DADvocate at February 17, 2007 12:32 PM
As a resident of Champaign, I have seen the battle of the Chief from the beginning.
Those who oppose him as a minority stereotype raise what I consider a good point:
Would Chief supporters be agreeable of other minority mascots such as the Dancing Negros, or the Cheapskate Jews?
That is the argument as put forth by the native Americans who oppose the Chief and his totally bogus "Indian dance."
Posted by dan at February 19, 2007 10:22 AM
dan, one difference is that your examples are intended to be derogatory while a mascot related to fighting Indians is meant to instill pride to the team and fear to the opponents.
There is no end to some people being "offended." However, I can look through the rhetoric and see that it has nothing to do with offense and everything to do with feeling important and politics.
Take a look at this list by Tom McMahon to see how many ways there are for someone to be offended. Why we would run out of names by catering to every little claim of insult.
Posted by Woody at February 19, 2007 02:29 PM
